title: Diagnosis of trace metal deficiency--with emphasis on copper and zinc.
abstract: A method of diagnosing trace metal deficiency is proposed. Measurement of an appropriate metalloprotein before and after administration of a physiological replenishment dose of the metal should distinguish low levels due to metal deficiency from those due to other mechanisms. Serum ceruloplasmin is the logical protein for copper assessment; serum alkaline phosphatase and red cell carbonic anhydrase should be considered for zinc.
mesh_terms: D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases / Q000097:blood; D002570:Ceruloplasmin / Q000032:analysis; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests / Q000379:methods; D003300:Copper / Q000172:deficiency*; D003677:Deficiency Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008667:Metalloproteins / Q000097:blood; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis; D015032:Zinc / Q000172:deficiency*
chemical_list: D008667:Metalloproteins; D014131:Trace Elements; D003300:Copper; D002570:Ceruloplasmin; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase; D002256:Carbonic Anhydrases; D015032:Zinc